In the example above, the AE emails only early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so they can use the middle part of their day for sales meetings, preparation, and phone calls.
As a result, you’ll often find that AEs structure their time in chunks so they can focus on different types of tasks at different times of the day or week – whenever it’s most efficient. Here’s a rough overview of what an Account Executive’s calendar might look like in any given week, based on my years of experience in sales.Īccount Executives are most effective when they can work in a rhythm. Related: The 30+ Most Desirable Sales Skills & Traits You MUST Develop To Become An Unstoppable Rep What’s it Like to Be An Account Executive?
Sales can be a competitive profession, and hard work is one sure way to stay a step ahead of the rest. Some of the most important fundamental skills and characteristics of a good salesperson are:Īccount Executives also need to be very hard working. Now, more than ever, an AE must cultivate a wide variety of skills to be successful. New sales tools and changing buyer preferences have made every industry more competitive. The Sales profession has changed rapidly in recent years. What Skills Does an Account Executive Need?
Glassdoor reports that the average salary for an AE is about $63,000 per year, with additional cash compensation (commissions) of $31,000.Īn Account Executive working at a large Software company in Boston may be able to make upwards of $350,000 per year, while an AE working at a smaller manufacturing firm in North Carolina may make $80,000 per year. Sales can be a very lucrative career, but average salaries for AEs varies depending on the industry and location. Sometimes, companies use the Account Executive title to refer to a more senior level of Account Manager. Usually, an Account Manager is only responsible for growing and maintaining existing relationships with customers, while an Account Executive is also responsible for finding new customers. What’s the Difference between an Account Executive and an Account Manager?Įvery company has different definitions of each role. This role is sometimes also called a “full-cycle sales rep” because they do the job of the SDR, AE, and a customer service team – all in one. In other industries, like media or marketing agencies, an Account Executive is responsible for bringing on new clients and servicing existing clients. What is An Advertising Account Executive? The AE is then responsible for holding a discovery call, giving the prospect a product demo, and closing the deal. In SaaS sales, an AE usually works with a Sales Development Representative (SDR), who develops initial interest and sets up the first sales meeting. They typically have a revenue target, and are paid commissions when they sell their company’s products and services. They are usually responsible for serving the needs of existing customers and closing sales deals to create new customers. An Account Executive (AE) is a salesperson.